With a best Newcomer nominee at the 2025 Fringe, Molly McGuinness is heading on tour after her sell-out Fringe debut, which saw her show ‘Slob’ spread like wildfire through word of mouth. It is easy to see why. The show opened, as people were entering, with a small buffet on stage: packets of crisps, Hula Hoops and cocktail sausages all ready for the audience to nibble on upon entry. This is the shamelessly working-class charm of Salford star, Molly McGuinness.
Catching the eyes of northern icons such as Sophie Willan, and supporting superstars like Joe Lycett, Sophie Duker and Rachel Fairburn, there is an instant likability to Molly that is rare to see in such vigorous abundance. The Mancunian charm is lathered on thickly, but perfectly, as you fall under her scatterbrained spell, following her down dizzying flights of fancy as she paints a picture of dirty northern towns with love in every stroke. In many ways, it is a love letter to all the characters found in a northern pub, as portraits of eccentric personalities and relatable scenarios are etched out in great detail, breathing life into each individual.
At least, that is the show – until an unexpected diagnosis of Lemierre’s disease, a rare and life-threatening illness, shook up her happy-go-lucky existence. Diagnosis has become a classic stand-up trope, but it has never been delivered quite like this, as McGuinness delves into detail without ever threatening to slow down the laughs. How does one find humour in the darkest moments? It is a joyful romp through fear, illness and resilience. It is a great show, fully worthy of the rave reviews it has received across its five-star Fringe run.
More recently, McGuinness can be found on Channel 4 Comedy Playground’s sketch show ‘Bad Eggs’, spearheaded by Joe Kent-Walter. ‘Slob’ is a show about life, about dealing with the cards you are dealt. It is a formidable entrance from Manchester Fringe Comedian of the Year 2021, and BBC Newcomer finalist the same year. Can an hour of comedy feel both wildly imaginative and genuinely heartfelt? This is an act with an endless supply of warmth, exuding from her pores, yet set aside from mere charisma, this is an hour of earnest storytelling and left-field jokes that are wonderfully approachable. Are you drawn to a show that gives Meat Loaf the credit he deserves, or one packed with punchline-after-punchline comedy? ‘Slob’ is a fantastic choice.
Tickets, priced at £15.00 in advance, are available at thestand.co.uk.
